Mono Semi-Submersible Platform

ABSTRACT

An offshore marine port including a plurality of individual modules of the same dimensions and alike size and shape, being attached to form a singular large platform and having apparatus either fixed or mobile, robotic or manned, pertaining to the handling and efficient movement of bulk; break bulk; liquids or cargo containers while being off-loaded or on-loaded to either bulk or break bulk vessels or barges; liquids vessels or barges; or cargo container vessels or barges. The ‘modules’ are constructed in a way as to most effectively provide for the movement of bulk; break bulk; liquids or cargo containers while transiting through the intended structure. 
     The mono semi-submersible sections of each module, serves to allow for more usable arrears for below main deck operations, while still providing for ample research and development spaces and supporting laboratories.

SPECIFIC DATE RELATED TO THE INVENTION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/363,258 filed Jul. 11, 2010

This application claims in part, the benefits of U.S. Pat. No. 7,436,324. Dated Oct. 14, 2008 by the same inventor, Stephan V. Kroecker

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to maritime transportation and infrastructure and, particularly, to a method and apparatus for expanding existing ports, limited in channel depth and critical dockage infrastructure, that is not readily available to these existing ports or height hindrances from existing bridge structures crossing channels or entrances to these ports.

It is recognized that there are ancillary purposes for this invention including, but not limited to, port security; supply chain security; reallocation of specific funding relating to the aforementioned security issues, as well as the increase use for underutilized intermodal regional ports; redistribution and delivery of goods closer to an end user; relief and repair for the existing highway and bridge infrastructure supporting the existing ports; an increase of unrealized revenues by the regions served by the invention; and, an increase of regional employment.

The present invention contemplates one or more modules that would be connected and placed twenty to twenty-five nautical miles outside of the primary regional port in international waters, that would supply to the shipping lines utilizing Ultra Large Container Carrier Vessels, or Ultra Large Vessels, as well as future larger vessel classes, containing bulk, break bulk, liquids; or, Liquid Gases; a fully operational Seaport structure whereby these vessels can arrive and disembark their goods for redistribution; resupply and maintain the vessel; and, embark with goods for another port destination.

The invention would provide living quarters for management and crew; would provide a module that is specifically set aside for the purposes of Command and Control of the invention; would provide a module that is specifically set-aside for the purpose of a Hotel / Resort complex that would accommodate public visits to the modules; and, the remaining modules would be specifically utilized for the operations related to either container; bulk; break bulk; or, liquids and Liquid Gases being delivered for redistribution to the end user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary form of a module's structure having a top plan view and a side view in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates six possible configurations of the modules when put together for a specific purpose of the single structure used in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is the embodiment of two ancillary structures available for attachment to the top deck or below to the bottom deck of the module used in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates the invention providing for barge operations below the operation decks above, and the ancillary decks available for the operations of the invention in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates the box beam construction of the upper deck component of the module used in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates the structural relationship between the components that make up the module shown in the invention in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates the components of the module and the related spaces available as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates four of the invention modules connected to form a platform as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates the common configurations to the invention as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 illustrates twenty of the invention modules connected to form a container operations off shore seaport from the invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of four modules wide of the invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 illustrates the mechanism by which the modules are connected in a structural manner of the invention as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 illustrates the positioning of the mechanism of the invention as shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates the joining of modules and the relative position of the mechanism to adjacent modules forming a platform from the invention as shown in FIG. 1.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown one example of an embodiment of a module that may be utilized to form a larger platform that will be used to implement the functions described above. In the example of FIG. 1, we view on the left a top plan view and on the right a side view showing the upper and lower components 2, 3, and the relationship to the main deck component, 1, Noticing the single stack or mono semi submersible leg 2, 3, common to the modules. Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown six configurations in top plan view. Two modules or side by side 4, four modules or four by 5, five modules 6, three modules 7, four modules four by tee 8, and a six module configuration 9.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there are a number of ancillary module additions available to this invention and analogous purposes to each. The Upper Module additions 10, is utilized above the weather or main deck and has the capabilities of being placed around the perimeter of the invention or should the need arise, can be located anywhere it does not interfere with sea port operations. The Lower Module additions 11, are hanging modules and are generally reserved for perimeter installation. These ancillary modules can be utilized for security screening; office space; cargo clearing; and are only limited in purpose by need. Turning now to FIG. 4, the drawing to the left indicates 12, the Below Module Operations areas which are formed between adjacent modules and continue through the entirety of the length of the platform. The drawing to the right hand is showing 13, a top and end view of the barge decks, which will be utilized in the handling of cargos specific to the platform operations. Further, 14, shows the Sea Grappler Mule which is a suction technology device, covered under U.S. Pat. No. 7,436,324, Maritime Port Inspection and Ingress Control, by this author and inventor, which will position and move barges under weather and main deck cranes for speed and accuracy in barge load and unload operations.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a top plan view of a single module depicting 17, the main structural elements of the Post and Beam Box Frame that accommodates the 15, deck hatch elevator lifts that have the capability of lowering and or moving up and under the weather deck for crane operations clearance. Looking to the center of the drawing 16, shows the vertical shafts of two elevators and two ladder wells that transverse from the weather deck to the bilge deck. As will be seen in FIG. 6, is a side view of 18, the weather deck; 19, the main deck; and, 20, the vertical shafts in reference to the side view. As you travel down 21, depicts the decks housed within the vertical stack; 22, a side view and position of the barge decks; and, 23, the decks housed within the submersible section of the module. Moving to the drawing on the left 24, is the end view of the Post and Beam Box Frame; and, 25, shows the unobstructed space allowing for cargo to pass through the modules unimpeded.

Referring now to FIG. 7, we have depicted the components 26, side view of the Post and Bean Box Frame; 27, the end view of the Post and Beam Box Frame; 28, the side view of the vertical stack; 29, the end view of the vertical stack; 30, the top plan view of the vertical stack showing the angle expanding outwards from top to bottom of the structure; 31, the side and end view of the submersible section of the module; 32, the top plan view of the submersible section of the module; and 33, the barge deck. Turning now to FIG. 8, shows a four module platform. 34, shows a single deck hatch elevator; 35, depicts two deck hatch elevators side by side to accommodate the largest lifts in term of length and width; 36, in plan view shows the elevator—ladder well locations throughout the structure; 37, depicts the Post and Beam Box Frame relationship between the modules; and, 38, shows the unobstructed space for unimpeded movement of cargo and machinery.

Turning now to FIG. 9, shows, but is not limited to, the types of modules required to assemble a container operations type of platform. 39, depicts the Starboard Side and End Module; 40, depicts the Interior and Forward Module; 41, depicts the Port Side Module; 42, depicts the Starboard Corner Module; 43, depicts the Aft Interior Module; and 44, depicts the Port Corner Module. Each module has additional traffic capabilities for the efficient movement of containers on both the weather deck as well as the main deck. As a note the main deck allows for continued operations regardless of weather conditions. Turning now to FIG. 10, 45, shows in top plan view the relationship between the aforementioned modules having been assembled to produce the container operations platform. This and the complimentary platform uses mentioned in this document, are utilized for the expansion of existing ports where hindrances such as channel depth or width prevents entrance into the port; Bridges or canals are to low or not wide enough for vessels of a certain size are precluded; the reallocation of port infrastructure funding and available geographic limitations are too costly for consideration; and, finally as a cost reduction in the overall structure of the global supply chain.

Referencing FIG. 11, shows an isometric end view of a assembled platform. 46, shows the end view of the weather and main decks; 47, shows the end and side views of the vertical stack and submersible sections of the modules; 48, depicts the available inside barge operational areas, providing three lanes of barge traffic areas, accommodating up to nine barge and tug vessels concurrently; 49, shows the outside operational areas on both sides of the platform which will be utilized for the husbandry, resupply and embarkation and debarkation of ships crews; and 50, shows the end view of the structure in its entirety. It must be noted that additional modules can be added or subtracted to accommodate various sizes to meet specific needs and operational requirements. Turning now to FIG. 12, shows the side and end views of the Quad Drift Shaft Locking Assembly which is utilized to assemble and secure the modules together. 51, shows the structural housing for the mechanism; 52, depicts the turn bolt lock and tightener that pulls the modules to a specific pressure between modules and locks them into place; 53, is the neoprene expansion joint between modules; 54, is the hydraulic ram utilized to drive the drift shafts into place; 55, is the drift shaft on the port side which is in the vertical position as the male side and the starboard side being the female or receiving side; 56, is the end view of the structural housing of the mechanism; 57, depicts the end views of the drift shaft port side in the vertical positions; 58, are the end views of the drift shaft receiving cylinders; 59, shows a side view of the graduated cylinder guide; 60, shows the turn bolt lock and tightener both on the port and starboard sides; and, 61, shows the shaft stop and support that receives the shafts.

Turning now to FIG. 13, is a top plan view of a single module. 62, shows the placement of the fore and aft quad Drift Shaft Locking Mechanisms; 63, depicts the placement of the mechanisms on the port and starboard sides of the modules. Turning now to FIG. 14, is a top plan view of four modules and 64, the Quad Drift Shaft Locking Mechanism relationships to the adjacent modules for connectivity and structural support.

It will be recognized that all of the features described previously for use on this structure of FIG. 1, can be incorporated into other structures FIG. 2, that have a direct relationship to FIG. 1. Further, while it is contemplated that either of these structures FIG. 1, or FIG. 2, require more than one module to be considered for use, it is the intention of this invention to be used in multiples FIG. 10, not limited by a specific number or configuration, or by the aforementioned specific uses but only by the requirements of need.

While the invention has been described in what is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment, various modifications and improvements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is therefore intended that the invention not be limited to this specific disclosed embodiment but be interpreted within the scope of the underlying concept. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A semi-submersible marine platform comprised of: a. the module or series of modules of varying sizes positioned at specific offshore ocean sites capable of servicing multiple ports including all major and intermodal ports incorporated in that region; b. the module is made from marine steel; composite materials; aluminum; and other materials commonly utilized in structure construction; c. the modules contain various non-specific lifting apparatuses which are specific to containerized cargo; bulk cargo; liquids cargo; and other specialized cargo, for removing and reloading cargo from various types of vessels arriving and departing the platform structure; d. the module or series of modules is attached to the sea bed utilizing a anchoring technology and geosynchronous positioning system to maintain a desired position; e. a propulsion system and or towing system for any kind of movement or repositioning; f. shaft locking mechanisms and steel weldments for connection to adjacent modules, providing for connectivity and structural support of the module structure as a whole, while also providing for the capabilities of future expansion of said module structures; g. an anti-biologic coating for offshore environment so that module is extremely tolerant of the offshore ocean environment including but not limited to the most marine contaminate biologics from ballast waters, currents, waves, wind, weather, air temperature or water temperature; h. includes a command and traffic control center for vessels transiting, arriving and departing the module structure and surrounding waterways; i. a docking system that can harbor multiple vessels for the purpose of unloading and loading passengers and cargo; j. specialized high speed cranes, elevators and container moving equipment to work in conjunction with cargo ships; k. a crews quarters to safely house personnel and visiting crews.
 2. The system of claim 1 and the capability to electronically and non-intrusively check cargo and manifests arriving, moving through and departing the module structure, and
 3. The system of claim 2 and the capability to move the cargos throughout the module structure in an automated, robotic and computer controlled manner, increasing efficiency and reducing costs, and
 4. The system of claim 3 and the capability to redistribute the cargos below the module structure utilizing ocean going, high speed container shuttle vessels capable of operating in harmony with the platform structure, and
 5. The system of claim 4 and the capability of electronically acquire, analyze and report autonomously and securely the cargos transiting through the module structure to all entities having involvement with the cargos, and
 6. The system of claim 5 and will redistribute cargo of various types, reducing stresses on the structure and infrastructure both inside and outside of the regional existing ports, and
 7. The system of claim 6 and that module structure will meet or exceed guidelines of all required governing agencies, classification agencies, and
 8. The system of claim 7 and that the module structure will be positioned in waters capable of, maximizing and servicing efficiently all regional ports, either in national or international waters, and
 9. The system of claim 8 and that the module structure is capable of supporting all aspects of vertical flight operations, utilizing helicopter pads, to and from the shore side, and
 10. The system of claim 9 and that the module structure will serve to enhance distribution of the global supply chain, and
 11. The system of claim 10 and that the module structure can be configured to efficiently distribute cargo that is described or classified as ‘bulk’ or ‘liquids’, and
 12. The system of claim 11 and that the module structures can be positioned to further the overall efficiency of cargo movement through out the worldwide system by leveling the costs of transportation of goods to all participating system members, and
 13. The system of claim 12 and that the module structures can be configured to house and carry out all operations endemic to oil refinery operations and gas liquification and de-liquification operations, and
 14. The system of claim 13 and that the module structures can be configured to accommodate metropolitan and suburban expansion, and
 15. The system of claim 14 and that the module structure can be used for additional services including but not limited to bulk cargoes, liquid cargoes, specialized oversized cargoes, research and development operations, on-going off-shore business operations, vessel husbandry and chandlery services, aqua farming, Emergency Staging for natural disasters, educational opportunities, ancillary business opportunities and conference and meeting places. 